Colts' High-Stakes Rebuild: Navigating the 2026 Season
The Indianapolis Colts are in a pivotal moment. After starting strong with an 8-2 record in 2025, they stumbled to finish 8-9, leaving fans and management alike searching for answers.
General Manager Chris Ballard is feeling the heat after trading for Sauce Gardner, costing the team their 2026 first-round pick. With hefty contracts for Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce, the Colts’ roster depth is thin.
To compete in a fiercely competitive AFC South, Indy must unearth starters from the draft's hidden gems.
Revamping the Pass Rush: Malachi Lawrence
Losing Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo has left a void in the Colts' pass rush. Enter Malachi Lawrence from UCF, a dynamic force with a knack for disruption.
In 2025, Lawrence tallied 7 sacks and 11 tackles for loss, earning First Team All-Big 12 accolades. His athletic prowess was on display with a 4.52-second 40-yard dash at the Combine.
Lawrence’s explosive first step makes him a third-down threat. While he may initially struggle against stronger run blockers, his impressive 89.5 PFF pass-rush grade indicates he’s ready to contribute immediately. For a defense that let leads slip away late in games, Lawrence’s ability to close could be a game-changer.
Filling Big Shoes: Josiah Trotter
Trading Zaire Franklin was a tough call, but Josiah Trotter is poised to step in. The Missouri product is a blend of old-school toughness and modern-day savvy. Leading the Tigers with 84 tackles and 13 tackles for loss, Trotter is a downhill force with keen instincts, particularly against RPOs.
With NFL legend Jeremiah Trotter as his father, Josiah brings a professional maturity that fits perfectly into Shane Steichen’s system. His 89.3 run-defense grade suggests he’s ready to make an immediate impact, though filling Franklin’s leadership role will take time.
The Under-the-Radar Find: Jackson Kuwatch
Every draft, Chris Ballard has a knack for finding a diamond in the rough. This year, it’s Jackson Kuwatch.
After transferring from Ohio State to Miami (OH), Kuwatch made waves with 109 tackles and 5 sacks in 2025. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 232 pounds, he’s a versatile asset who can adapt to various roles, including special teams.
Kuwatch’s 10 tackles for loss highlight his disruptive potential. In a draft where the Colts start picking at No. 47, Kuwatch represents the kind of high-upside gamble that has defined Ballard’s tenure.
Coach's Corner: Building Depth
“We aren’t looking for guys who just want to be in the league. We need players who are obsessed with the work.
Last year showed us that depth isn’t a luxury; it’s the whole game. We’re going to find those grinders in this draft.” - Shane Steichen, Colts Head Coach
2026 Season Outlook
The AFC South is no cakewalk. With the Texans and Jaguars strengthening their rosters, the Colts can’t rely solely on Daniel Jones’s arm.
The defense faltered in the latter half of 2025, surrendering over 28 points per game. By banking on Lawrence’s edge speed and the linebacker duo of Trotter and Kuwatch, Ballard aims to solidify a defense that crumbled last December.
If these moves pay off, the Colts could find themselves back in the playoff hunt. If not, it might spell the end for the current regime’s “almost” era.